Leased Line Prices in the UK: What Can You Expect?

Many businesses still overlook leased lines, believing they are too expensive. However, the landscape for leased lines has dramatically changed in recent years. With increased competition among providers, leased lines are now more affordable and accessible than ever before. In 2024-2025, there has never been a better time for businesses to consider upgrading to a more reliable and faster broadband solution.

The Cost of Leased Lines in 2024-2025

Leased lines have become more competitively priced, making them an attractive option for businesses seeking high-quality internet connectivity. The cost can range significantly, depending on the speed and location of the business. Here's a look at how prices have evolved:

• Cost Range: Leased lines in 2024 can cost between £150 and £1,000 per month, depending on the speed and the provider.

• Speed Matters: For a 1Gbps leased line, expect to pay approximately £437 per month, while a 500Mbps line may cost around £411 per month. This makes upgrading to higher bandwidth an appealing option, with only a small difference in price.

• Affordable Options: Lower-speed options such as 100Mbps are still available at a more budget-friendly price, around £260 per month.

Leased Line vs. Other Business Broadband

When comparing leased lines with other types of business broadband, it's clear that leased lines operate in the premium range. However, the additional cost is often justified by the superior performance and reliability they offer.

How Do Leased Lines Compare in Cost?

For instance, if you're considering broadband speeds close to 100Mbps:

• Leased Line (100Mbps): £260 per month

• Fibre Broadband (76Mbps): Around £60 per month

While fibre broadband can be more affordable, leased lines offer significantly faster upload speeds, dedicated service, and higher reliability, which makes them a worthy investment for many businesses.

The Value of Leased Lines: What Do You Get?

Leased lines are designed to provide high-performance, low-latency, and dependable connectivity, with several key benefits that set them apart from other broadband options:

1. Dedicated Connection

One of the most compelling reasons to invest in a leased line is the dedicated connection. Unlike other broadband services that are shared among multiple businesses, leased lines are uncontended. This means you're not sharing bandwidth with anyone else, and your business will enjoy consistent speeds at all times of the day, even during peak hours.

• Benefits:

  • No slowdowns during peak usage times

  • Guaranteed bandwidth for your business

2. Fast Upload Speeds

While fibre broadband can offer competitive download speeds, the upload speeds on typical broadband connections tend to be much slower. Leased lines provide symmetrical speeds, meaning your upload speeds match your download speeds.

• Benefits:

  • Faster uploads for large file transfers, cloud storage, and video conferencing

  • Upload speeds of up to 10Gbps, depending on your plan

3. Service Level Agreement (SLA)

Leased lines come with a Service Level Agreement (SLA), which outlines the reliability, technical support, and resolution times you can expect from your provider. This provides added peace of mind, ensuring that any technical issues are resolved quickly and efficiently, minimizing downtime for your business.

• Benefits:

  • Guaranteed uptime and faster response times

  • Confidence in having rapid support when needed

What Affects the Cost of a Leased Line?

Several factors can influence the cost of a leased line, making it important for businesses to consider their specific needs and location before committing to a provider.

1. Leased Line Speed

Leased line prices are largely determined by the speed you require. Options range from 10Mbps to 10Gbps, with the cost increasing as bandwidth increases. Here's an overview of expected costs for different speeds:

• 100Mbps: £260 - £472 per month

• 500Mbps: £411 - £897 per month

• 1Gbps: £437 - £1,218 per month

In many cases, upgrading from a 500Mbps line to a 1Gbps line comes with only a small increase in price, making it a valuable upgrade for many businesses.

2. Providers

The price of a leased line also varies based on the provider. There are a number of companies offering leased lines, each with different pricing structures. Popular providers include:

• CityFibre: Often the most affordable provider, consistently offering competitive prices.

• TalkTalk Business: Known for offering good deals, but prices can vary depending on the package.

• BT Business: Typically the more expensive option, but offers robust support and services.

Running a search through a leased line comparison tool can help businesses find the best deal for their needs.

3. Location

Leased line pricing can also vary based on location. Infrastructure availability and competition in your area can significantly influence the cost. High-demand areas may offer more competitive pricing due to the availability of infrastructure and the number of competing providers.

• Example: A 1Gbps leased line in Liverpool can cost up to £747 per month, while in Bradford, the same connection may cost as low as £495 per month.

Conclusion: Is a Leased Line Right for Your Business?

As broadband speeds increase and competition among providers intensifies, leased lines are becoming more affordable and accessible. If your business requires high upload speeds, reliability, and dedicated service, a leased line could be a game-changer. Although the upfront cost is higher than standard broadband, the benefits far outweigh the extra investment for many businesses in 2024-2025.

Consider using a leased line comparison tool to find the best deal for your business and location, ensuring that you get the most value from your broadband investment.